The Ducks have had a relatively relaxed start to their hockey season, getting a couple days off here, a couple days off there. Welcome to February! Time to buckle down and start knocking out some games.

The Ducks played against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night and had a couple days break in between, including the annual Fan Fest for their season ticket holders on Wednesday night. Party is over.

Anaheim has three games at home before heading on the road for three more. All six will be played in nine days.

The Ducks start off with the Minnesota Wild, followed by their first against the Kings on Saturday. San Jose comes down for a visit on Monday.

There won't be time to breathe, because after the Sharks leave, the Ducks go on the road to play Colorado on Wednesday and another set of back to backs against Dallas and St. Louis next weekend. Makes me tired just thinking about it!

Because of the compressed schedule, coach Bruce Boudreau is going to have to make use of both his goaltenders. Viktor Fasth looks to get the nod against the Wild, which means Jonas Hiller will likely see the Kings tomorrow night. If Fasth plays as well as he did in his debut, the Ducks will be in good shape.

It also appears that defenseman Sami Vatanen will get his first NHL look against the Wild. Toni Lydman might get the scratch, unless Boudreau chooses to dress seven d-men and short himself a forward. Vatanen has been paired in practices with Luca Sbisa.

Game time is 7:00pm and tickets are still available for this evening's tilt.